We all have images in our minds of unwrapping presents from under the tree, sipping our hot chocolate (or Abuelita Mexican hot chocolate) and peaceful family time during the holidays. Unfortunately, many children can’t share this vision because they’re celebrating this holiday season in hospital beds instead of their homes.
This is where the UT Health San Antonio family steps in.
This year, more than 3,500 gifts were donated for children being hospitalized or treated during the holidays.
The Gifts for Children project is celebrating its 30th year in 2019. It all began when residents and students wanted to do something for the community at Christmas time. The idea was to help children in the hospitals that these residents and medical students were receiving their training. Since its inception in 1989, the project has grown enormously.
“Seeing all those toys, clothes and books under the tree is a beautiful, heartwarming sight,“ shares Sofia Reyna, office manager of the Primary Care Center and longtime coordinator of the Gifts for Children project.
Sofia also shares that she has received great feedback on how many kids we are able to reach with all the toys we collect.
“I truly believe that we all need to give back as much as we can. We have lots of sick and less fortunate kids that may not get anything at Christmas time,” says Sofia.
To each and every one of you who have donated a gift or participated in some way with this incredible project, thank you. We are all in it to make lives better this holiday season, one act of service at a time.